Portsmouth-linked centre-back 'opens talks' with European club after Leeds United exit
A former Pompey target could be set for a surprise move elsewhere
Former Portsmouth target Liam Cooper has reportedly opened talks with the Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia over a free transfer after leaving Blues’ Championship rivals Leeds United.
The 33-year-old defender parted ways with the Elland Road club on the expiration of his contract earlier this summer and has been looking for a new home ever since with Football Insider suggesting that could be CSKA Sofia. Hull City had been believed to be the new destination for Cooper but a deal collapsed, despite all parties being keen on the move.
The Bulgarian transfer window closed on Monday 2 September but it appears evident CSKA Sofia still wish to bolster their squad as they seek to acquire stars from the free agent pool. It would be a huge shift for Cooper if the move were to go through as he is yet to play outside of England, excluding international fixtures.
In August, John Mousinho’s side had been credited with an interest in the former Whites star with TeamTalk claiming that Pompey were ‘considering a move’. However, the Blues head coach quickly dispelled this theory and told The News: “There’s nothing in that. Liam is a fantastic player with massive Premier League pedigree, but, as far as we are concerned, that’s not one we have been looking at at all.” Cooper had been with the Yorkshire club for ten years before his contract came to an end this summer. He made 284 appearances for Leeds overall and experience life in both the Premier League and Championship.
Previous to his ten-year tenure at Elland Road, the centre-back had been with Hull City, spending time on loan at Carlisle United, Huddersfield Town and Chesterfield, before signing with the latter on a permanent basis in 2013.
Cooper would also be bringing to his new club 19 international appearances, having represented Scotland since 2019. He began to feature frequently for Steve Clarke’s side in 2020 and started the first game of Scotland’s Euros 2020 match against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Portsmouth had been on the hunt for a new frontline centre-back with their defensive options at a minimum. Regan Poole (ACL) and Tom McIntyre (hamstring) continue to remain on the sidelines while Conor Shaughnessy has recently been out of action through illness.
However, Mousinho brought in the former Fulham and Scotland U21-international defender Ibane Bowat on a Deadline Day deal which will significantly aid the Blues’ current central defensive struggles. Jordan Williams had been pairing up with Ryley Towler but the ex-Barnsley captain will now hope that after the international break he can return to his preferred position on the right-hand side.